Fix "There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC" in Windows 11 (6 Ways)

"Reset this PC" is like a digital time machine—but sometimes it loops or fails unexpectedly. Here are 6 practical fixes to get it working again.

• Corrupted system files or Windows image
• Damaged Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
• Low free disk space or failing storage hardware
• Third-party antivirus or disk encryption conflicts

• Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Disconnect unnecessary USB peripherals.
• Ensure at least 20 GB of free space on the system drive.

• 1. Force-restart your PC three times to enter Advanced Startup.
• 2. Select Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
• 3. Click Startup Repair.

Open elevated Command Prompt and run:

sfc /scannow
dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, open the System Protection tab, click System Restore, and pick a restore point prior to the issue.

Navigate to Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → System Image Recovery.

Boot from a prepared USB Recovery Drive and select Use a device to perform automated repair.

Create installation media using Microsoft Media Creation Tool, boot from USB, and perform a clean install.

If Reset fails immediately, WinRE might be disabled. Run in elevated Command Prompt:

reagentc /info
reagentc /enable

Reboot and try resetting the PC again.

Will "Keep my files" erase apps?

Yes. It preserves personal files but removes installed desktop applications.

Is a clean install better than Reset?

A clean install is the most reliable recovery method when Windows files are severely corrupted.